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Thread: *NEW* MSB Premier Headphone Amp
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October 20, 2021, 08:05 PM #1
*NEW* MSB Premier Headphone Amp
The Premier Headphone Amp Features - MSB Technology
Price estimated to be around $8900, but need to confirm.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ProMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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October 20, 2021, 08:22 PM #2
Re: *NEW* MSB Premier Headphone Amp
Wow!
Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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October 21, 2021, 12:59 PM #3
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- 1,622
Re: *NEW* MSB Premier Headphone Amp
While it is often difficult to justify the exuberant prices on audio products in general, this product seems almost reasonable all things considered. Almost...
It looks like a serious headphone amp.
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October 23, 2021, 07:18 AM #4
Re: *NEW* MSB Premier Headphone Amp
Looks terrific. I looked at the spec sheet; it states that it is to be used with MSB products only.
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Mike
Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
Rack: Artesania Exoteryc
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October 23, 2021, 10:35 AM #5
- Join Date
- Aug 2014
- Location
- east of Seattle
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- 821
Re: *NEW* MSB Premier Headphone Amp
no; only that you must either add a passive volume control on the input side such as the Goldpoint (Vince from MSB recommended) which i bought for my MSB Select Electrostatic Headphone amp.......
Goldpoint SA2X Level Controls / Passive Preamps
........or you can feed it from your preamp using the preamp volume control (for instance if you want to hear vinyl or tape.....or either vinyl or tape could be run direct into the amp with the passive box.).
considering how a headphone amp is used, the little passive box (i paid $616 for it) seems to be a good (cheap and transparent sounding) solution to the problem for those times you are not using it with the MSB dac.
you could also run the analog out from your laptop into it with a RCA -> XLR converter and use the volume control in your laptop (or insert the passive stand alone). better would be a digital out from your laptop into your MSB dac and then use the MSB for conversion and attenuation.
so there are plenty of choices to overcome the lack of an onboard volume control in the MSB headphone amps. but the most elegant way is with the MSB dacs. i do like the one button push to toggle from speakers or headphones.my system on Audiogon; https://www.audiogon.com/systems/615
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October 23, 2021, 10:58 AM #6
Re: *NEW* MSB Premier Headphone Amp
Thanks for the insights Mike.
Below is text from the MSB site:
“ Technical Specifications:
The Premier Headphone Amplifier
The Premier Headphone Amp can ONLY be used with MSB DACs.
Supported Formats Analog Only
XLR Analog Inputs Optimized for 75Ω or 150Ω Balanced Source
XLR Analog Outputs Direct connection to input when enabled or unit powered off.
When listening to headphones, output is muted with 75Ω output impedance
Headphone Output Impedance 40Ω
Dynamic Range
20Hz-20kHz
(Max Power at 45Ω) >125dB
>134dBA
Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz ±0.3dB
Common Mode Rejection Ratio > 82dB CMRR @ 60Hz
> 82dB CMRR @ 1kHz
> 80dB CMRR @ 20kHz
Crosstalk <-110dB Crosstalk @ 1kHz
<-90dB Crosstalk @ 20kHz
Max Power @ 1% THD+N 8Ω @ 4.5Vrms (2.53W)
16Ω @ 7.5Vrms (3.51W)
32Ω @ 11.4Vrms (4.06W)
45Ω @ 13.2Vrms (3.87W)
150Ω @ 13.8Vrms (1.27W)
Headphone Output Connectors 1x 4 Pin XLR
2x 1/4" Stereo Jack (Single-ended)
Display Power LED
Controls Rear panel power switch
Front panel passthrough/Headphone toggle switch
1x MSB 12V Trigger
Power Consumption 82 Watts
(8Watts in passthrough mode)
AC Voltage 100V (Fixed)
120/240V (User switch on bottom of unit)
Topology
Input/Gain Stage - Class A
- Double balanced
- Impedance matched
- Fully discrete
Output Stage - Class A
- Balanced or Single-ended*
*Only in single-ended mode when 1/4" jack is used
Chassis Dimensions
Width: 17 in (432 mm)
Depth: 12 in (305 mm)
Chassis Height (Without Feet): 2.45 in (62 mm)
Stack height: 3.05 in (77 mm)
Weight: 31 lbs (14 kg)
Product Feet: The Viton Foot (M6X1 Thread)
Shipping Dimensions
Width: 22 in (558.8 mm)
Depth: 18 in (457.2 mm)
Height: 7 in (177.8 mm)
Weight: 40 lbs (18.2 kg)
Included Accessories
Product manual
Grounding cable_______________
Mike
Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
Rack: Artesania Exoteryc
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October 23, 2021, 02:23 PM #7
- Join Date
- Aug 2014
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- east of Seattle
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- 821
Re: *NEW* MSB Premier Headphone Amp
there is no control link between an MSB headphone amp and MSB dac. only an XLR interconnect; and the headphone amp has a front button that toggles the output either to the pass-thru (speakers) or to the headphones. the amp does not know where it got the signal.
certainly the dac remote helps to switch the input. but that is not required to switch the input/pass-thru. that remote is the only 'control' function involved.
an MSB headphone amp is not a door-stop without an MSB dac.my system on Audiogon; https://www.audiogon.com/systems/615
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October 23, 2021, 03:45 PM #8
Re: *NEW* MSB Premier Headphone Amp
Good stuff Mike. Silly for MSB to add a statement in the specs sheet about only usable with MSB products.
_______________
Mike
Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
Rack: Artesania Exoteryc
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October 23, 2021, 03:53 PM #9
- Join Date
- Aug 2014
- Location
- east of Seattle
- Posts
- 821
Re: *NEW* MSB Premier Headphone Amp
how it was put to me by Vince (National Sales Manager for MSB) was that the (electrostatic) Headphone amp originally was not intended to be a product at all, more an analytical tool for their work, but it performed so well they decided to offer it. then they added the Ref version. yet they don't yet know how far to jump into the whole 'headphone market'.
that disclaimer does give them cover on where things go. if someone plugs a source at line level into the MSB amp without volume attenuation and destroys some headphones or damages their ears then MSB might be in a bad spot. and remember.......common sense is just not that common.
headphone customers wanting a volume control designed into it, and whether the sales volume ROI might justify that. it's a big but very fickle market at the top level.......gear of the month/week/day/minute. don't blame them for being a bit cautious.
audiophile market is a bit more grounded.....and they know it.my system on Audiogon; https://www.audiogon.com/systems/615
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July 29, 2023, 12:45 PM #10
Re: *NEW* MSB Premier Headphone Amp
Has anyone actually heard this headphone amp? Or seen a real review? I'm still searching.
Amplification : Modwright LS300 - Atma-Sphere "Class D" monoblocks
Digital : MSB Premier DAC+Digital Director, Oppo 203, Sonos Port (W4S mod)
Analog : Technics SL1200G, Boulder 508
Speakers : Daedalus Audio Muse Studio
Headphone : BHSE + Voce
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July 29, 2023, 01:23 PM #11
Re: *NEW* MSB Premier Headphone Amp
I’ve heard it! Awesome sounding, Cincy had the other MSB headphone amp. Hopefully he will chime in.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ProMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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July 30, 2023, 06:07 AM #12
Re: *NEW* MSB Premier Headphone Amp
I did indeed have a MSB Select headphone amp that I used with the MSB DAC. It was set up for use with electrostatic headphones. The combination was the best headphone sound I ever experienced. It worked well with electrostatic headphones that already provide the most natural mid range and higher frequencies. I never considered using it with any other DACs or in a portable set up. It is for serious listening with your main rig. I have no reason to believe the Reference level product would not provide similar performance.
CincyWadax Reference DAC and Server
CH Precision L10 PreAmp
CH Precision M10 Amplifier
Rockport Orion speakers
Nordost ODIN 2 speaker cables and interconnects
StromTank 2500 Power Supply
Shunyata Sigma QR power cords
Shunyata Everest power conditioner
Vicoustics Room Treatments
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July 30, 2023, 10:54 PM #13
Re: *NEW* MSB Premier Headphone Amp
Thanks for the above. I have ordered an MSB Premier DAC (3-4 weeks 😀 and considering the headphone amp to match, if I can sell some of my current gear.
With my current move (retirement in 2024, and moving to support a child+expected grand daughter) consideration, either a headphone only system, or a digital only headphone + speaker system might be the final answer, if the new space does not allow turntable + vinyl storage. (Would shed the vinyl storage + TT, phono amp + tubed pre amp, however sadly)
Somewhat depends on how the lottery (software consultant investment) goes this/next year.
Anyway, thanks for opinions, I do like my BHSE, but feel it’s time to start simplifying my system, and minimize tubes.Amplification : Modwright LS300 - Atma-Sphere "Class D" monoblocks
Digital : MSB Premier DAC+Digital Director, Oppo 203, Sonos Port (W4S mod)
Analog : Technics SL1200G, Boulder 508
Speakers : Daedalus Audio Muse Studio
Headphone : BHSE + Voce
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March 5, 2024, 08:46 AM #14
Re: *NEW* MSB Premier Headphone Amp
MSB’s Vince Galbo’s response to why they recommend only using MSB gear into the Premier headphone amp:
“I talked to our tech. The reason we limit the use of the headphone amp to are our dACs, is the output voltage. Anything above 3.57 V into the headphone amp will blow up a very expensive internal part”
It appears that unregulated pre amp, or DAC, output can damage the headphone amp. As I recall they developed this amp in house for internal use, but ended up offering it for sale. I guess if the original design had been for more generalized use, it might have been designed differently. If the sound is what they wanted, they won’t change it.Amplification : Modwright LS300 - Atma-Sphere "Class D" monoblocks
Digital : MSB Premier DAC+Digital Director, Oppo 203, Sonos Port (W4S mod)
Analog : Technics SL1200G, Boulder 508
Speakers : Daedalus Audio Muse Studio
Headphone : BHSE + Voce
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The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
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Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
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Spinning various Al Di Meola disks. Just saw him Friday night. He played for over 2 hours. Awesome show and so much energy for someone about to be 69.
What are you listening to tonight ?